Team “Kalavani” is back & how...! Sargunam’s first movie “Kalavani” was a breezy romantic comedy which was lauded for its freshness & casual portrayal of the village life in all its glory. Sargunam is now back with his second movie “Vaagai Sooda Vaa” which has proven that his success was not flash in the pan rather here is a creator who is sure will make Tamil Cinema proud in the times to come.
“Vaagai Sooda Vaa” deals with a heavy subject but presented in a very subtle manner yet makes a powerful impact on the viewers , therein lies the brilliance of the writer-director Sargunam. Marxist ideals & views are the basic thread of the story but it is more covertly portrayed rather than being on the face jingoism of the same. We have seen a lot of movies which deals with societal issues being loud , opinionated & preachy . This is the first time as far as i can remember a maker has presented such an issue based movie in such a pleasant manner.
Not only the Marxist views that the director has touched upon , but other issues like how the education system doesn’t make an educated person a man of wisdom .The village illiterate elders as well as kids have more intelligence in matters of activities of daily living than the so called educated lot. But all the same he has also touched upon how education is vital for one’s understanding of his position in the societal ladder & how one is exploited by the bourgeoisie.
Don’t get fooled by the previous two paragraphs of this review thinking that movie is more of a documentary or all of preaching. The pleasant love story that form the backdrop of the narration is tastefully portrayed & here again Sargunam scores in the “subtlety” . The song “Naan pesa ninapathellam” is so brilliantly used to take forward the love story & it’s appearance towards the end of the movie will sure give gooseflesh.
The dialogues are simple yet full of meaning. As said earlier there is no sermonizing or lecturing on the topic taken. The points to be taken home are conveyed in a more understated yet clever fashion.
Another brilliant aspect of the movie is the art-direction . Sabu Cyril’s erstwhile assistant Seenu has done a tremendous job in recreating the 60’s village & era. The landscape , the props used , the village , vehicles , money , letter , pen ..... attention to details that the production team has shown is fabulous . The 60’s magazine with Saroja Devi’s Lux soap add , Ceylon radio broadcasts & the anchor’s voices , old Gokul sandal talcum powder , vintage radio with its leather cover are just few more examples of the microscopic precision with which the makers have gone about things leaving no scope for any blemish.
Cinematography of Om Prakash is yet another cornerstone of the movie. Special mention regarding the picturization of the song “Saara saara saara kathu” . It is one of the most elegantly picturised song in recent times.
Music director Gibran’s songs are already a huge hit. “Saara saara saara kathu” in Chinmayi’s voice & Vairamuthu’s verses is a killer. The song is so addictive . Not far behind is “Poraane poraane” & “Senga soola kaara” numbers. One was initially sceptical about how Gibran’s background score would be for the songs are stupendous , but he has proved himself in that aspect also.
Last but not the least the performances of the cast. Vimal once again showcases his dexterity in his job. His casual dialogue delivery & effortless portrayal with his elegant body language makes one confident that there are still talent out there & future is looking bright.
Iniya is yet another promising find from the God’s own country (It has become a factory of sorts churning out beautiful & talented actresses one after another) Heroine of a tamil movie never looked so pretty with absolutely no make-up whatsoever. Her eyes speak thousand languages & her expressions are captivating.
Among others Bhagyaraj, Thambi Ramaiah , Kumaravel , Ponvannan , Thennavan , Nambiraj & the other unknown debut actors & children all have done more than a worthy job & are one of the pillars of the movie.
Only negative is that Iniya’s voice being dubbed for they are going to lose out on the chance of getting loads of awards that they deserve. Wish that the makers have an alternate version with Iniya’s own voice for submission to the awards committee.
On the whole , “Vaagai Sooda Vaa ” is a movie that satiates the movie buff in you.
Bottomline : World class cinema.
4.5/5
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